| Fireplace decorating is more than just what you | | | | Fireplace decorating is important even if you don't |
| put on your mantel. It's the culmination of your | | | | use your fireplace regularly. Placing a candelabra |
| personal style that pulls your look together. A | | | | inside your empty fireplace adds a touch of |
| natural focal point because of its size and usually | | | | personality and gives your fireplace a polished |
| centrally-located position, the fireplace is an | | | | look. Seasonal variations like a cornucopia in the |
| important place to start when you consider your | | | | fall, a basket of pine cones in the winter, flower |
| décor. | | | | arrangements in the spring and even a collection |
| Where do you start when decorating the | | | | of sea shells and driftwood in the summer make |
| fireplace? Start by surveying the fireplace itself. | | | | your fireplace a living part of your home. |
| What do you see? Is your fireplace brick dark, | | | | As you move to the end of your decorating |
| ugly or just old, old, old? Worse, is it boring? Has it | | | | project, don't forget form when thinking function. |
| been painted by previous owners to a shade that | | | | The very finish of your fireplace tool set, wood |
| makes you cringe? Brick paint or fireplace paint | | | | holder, andirons and firebacks pull together your |
| that's specially-formulated to withstand the | | | | complete look. If your living room style is |
| demands of a fireplace can wash over the drab, | | | | understated and elegant, polished brass pieces |
| old brick-even if it's been painted before-and | | | | always look smart. If you have a more casual |
| completely revitalize your fireplace and your room. | | | | décor, copper, bronze and even black iron |
| The process is easy, fun, and can be completed in | | | | tools look stylish, not fussy. More contemporary? |
| a few hours. The cost is only a fraction of the | | | | Nothing says 'modern' quite like brushed pewter. |
| price of re-facing or remodeling your fireplace and | | | | Underscore your preference in finishes by |
| you'll be surprised at the impact. | | | | choosing a matching fireplace screen, or the |
| Now that you've brightened the masonry, step | | | | perfectly brilliant pair of glass fireplace doors, |
| back and see how your mantel fits into your | | | | which work well for masonry, prefabricated and |
| fireplace decorating project. Does it compliment or | | | | firebox insert fireplaces. |
| compete with the fireplace? What color is the | | | | Fireplace decorating is the quickest, easiest way |
| mantel? Does it draw the eye with an attractive, | | | | to pull together a total look for any room. If you |
| clean style and finish? If not, see what other | | | | create a warm, beautiful and inviting environment, |
| mantels might fit better. | | | | you'll find your fireplace becomes a focal point |
| Since the mantel is at eye-level, it's natural that its | | | | around which your family can't wait to gather. |
| decoration draws attention first. Heirloom, | | | | Fireplace Decorating Quick Tips: |
| pictures, beautiful knick knacks and things dear to | | | | * Paint the inside of your fireplace with black |
| the heart will make the truest statement about | | | | fireplace paint. This will cover any unsightly stains |
| your home. Artwork is always striking above your | | | | and make the opening look like new. |
| fireplace, so include unique displays like a single, | | | | * Look to see if your mantle color competes with |
| bold piece in a beautiful frame, or try clustering | | | | the overall look of your fireplace. No mantel? Try |
| smaller paintings or prints in asymmetrical groups | | | | a pretty wreath instead. |
| for contemporary, interesting impact. You can | | | | * Balance your accessories. Try a large mirror in |
| also group items of similar shape or color on your | | | | the middle and a topiary on each end. Or, a large |
| mantel for a whimsical look, again trying | | | | picture in the middle and decorative vases or urns |
| differently symmetrical configurations since an | | | | on each side. But remember, asymmetrical |
| aspect of incongruity is pleasing to the eye. | | | | groupings can make interesting focal points, too. |
| Now move to the hearth, the next area of your | | | | * If you have a real wood burning fireplace or |
| fireplace decorating project. Balance is the name | | | | wood stove, a hearth rug will protect your floor |
| of the game when it comes to your hearth, so | | | | from falling embers. Decorative fireplace tools are |
| try a potted plant or topiary on either side of | | | | also a plus. |
| your fireplace opening. Beautifully polished andirons | | | | * If you don't use your fireplace, you can still |
| also create a classic, balanced tableau. If your | | | | decorate for a stylish, easy look. Try a large fern |
| mantel displays candles, sculptures or vases in | | | | in the opening, or a candelabra. |
| equal measure on each side, try shaking up the | | | | * Seasonal fireplace decorating is always fun, and |
| scene on your hearth with a stunning set of | | | | may be the easiest place to start. A collection of |
| fireplace tools at one end, and a gleaming wood | | | | grape vines, white lights, small pumpkins and |
| holder at the other. Those who prefer a sleek, | | | | gourds creates a great fall look. Re-use those |
| bare look can try a simple, striking clock or a | | | | white lights with greenery and red candles for the |
| wreath hung over the mantel. | | | | merriest mantel during Christmas. |